Lawndale council joins South Bay Regional Housing Trust; approves key administrative items and appoints interim manager

Lawndale City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 15 to join a proposed South Bay Regional Housing Trust, a joint powers authority designed to administer Measure A (LCASA) funds for affordable‑housing production and preservation.

Presenters from the South Bay Cities Council of Governments said the trust would enable activities the COG cannot perform directly — such as construction and preservation loans, master leasing and first‑time homebuyer assistance — and that administrative costs for the trust’s early operations can be covered by LCASA administrative allocations, meaning member dues are unlikely in the first year. Staff said the trust would be governed by a board of member‑city officials and include two housing experts chosen by city managers; any project funding must be accompanied by city authorization.

Council members asked how funds would be allocated and whether geographic equity and project prioritization safeguards would be included. Staff said the trust board would adopt guidelines to manage distribution, and that the funds are intended for 100% affordable projects (Measure A set‑asides). Councilmembers also discussed whether to wait for additional cities to join; several members urged early participation so Lawndale could be a founding member and have an influence on the board and guidelines.

After discussion the council approved joining the trust and selected Councilmember Bernard Suarez as Lawndale’s representative to the trust board. The motion passed unanimously. Council also approved several other items on the agenda:

• A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation for FY 2026–2027 that staff said will fund street improvements (Eastwood Avenue from 154th Street) and senior nutrition programs; staff reported a budget allocation in the presentation (staff presentation figure: approximately $22,600,000 for the program allocation). The council adopted resolution CC 2512‑058 to participate in the CDBG program.

• An electronic signature policy to permit electronic signing of city contracts and other documents; staff estimated vendor costs at about $200–$300 per user per year and clarified that campaign filings (Form 700) would remain separately governed.

• Appointment of Carlos Feria to a South Bay Workforce Investment Board private‑sector seat.

• Renewal of the Everbridge emergency notification contract (renewal cost budgeted at $12,458.30).

• Acceptance of a street rehabilitation and sidewalk replacement project completion (total project cost reported at $2,164,572) and authorization to file the notice of completion and release $104,265.84 in retention to the contractor.

In closed session the council considered potential litigation and personnel items. The city attorney reported no reportable action on litigation. For the appointment of an interim city manager the council voted 3–0–2 (Councilmembers Tala and Suarez abstained) to name Raylet Felton as interim city manager effective upon Dr. Shawn Moore’s departure Dec. 22. No action was taken on a permanent city manager appointment; the council gave further direction to staff to continue recruitment.